LAST November it looked like ten golds and out for Ledbury in Bloom, because of the lack of a chairman; but now members are celebrating a new season with a new theme, "All things bright and beautiful".

A crisis has been averted, following an appeal for new blood and a fresh hand on the tiller.

And now one of Ledbury's most successful organisations is set to launch its ambitious campaign for 2017, starting this week, with an eleventh Royal Horticultural Society gold medal firmly in its sights.

A spokesman said: "A crisis for Ledbury in Bloom has been averted with the election of a new chairman to spearhead the 2017 campaign to win Ledbury’s eleventh consecutive gold medal. A new committee was elected in March, and Clive Gunn became the new chairman with Christina Vass as vice-chair.

"The 2017 campaign’s theme All things bright and beautiful will get underway this week, and the new team are keen to get residents involved in making Ledbury bloom again this summer."

New chairman, Mr Gunn added: “Our aim is to make Ledbury look brighter and smell sweeter throughout the coming year.”

Volunteers have already been hard at work around the town, tidying the tubs in the Homend and the entrance to St Katherine’s car park.

But the team's first mass work-together of 2017 was scheduled for this Thursday, April 6, in the town's Victorian Walled Garden by St Michael and All Angels Church, from 4pm.

And the plan is for them to meet and work there every Thursday until judging day, which will take place in July.

New faces and new hands in the flower borders will always be welcomed.

New vice-chairman, Christina Vass said: "Ideally we would like as many of the town’s residents as possible to get involved.

“Apart from weeding, clipping, pruning and planting we need handymen or women who can help with painting and other small projects. It’s amazing how much can be achieved in an hour when we get a group together.”

Anyone keen to join Ledbury in Bloom, and become part of a true Ledbury success story, should phone 01531 633267.